Being able to draw an accurate rendition of some object, person or place in front of you does not rule out imagination or remembered images. Imagination and memory (as you develop basic drawing skill) can be incorporated into your art or (if you so choose) can become the sole basis of your artwork. Noone is advocating slavish devotion to the physical universe here. However, practicing observing what is actually in front of you can actually enhance your imagination, in the same way that a great writer, observing people and their clothes, mannerisms and dialogue in a cafe, can return to his writing den and conjure up an even better story than if he had just holed himself up in his shack all day. Drawing well is food for a vivid imagination.
